“Ay; on my way home I went into the Temple of Concord,” replied Nero. “The emperor was there. At last he has broken his silence. Seeing the Consuls, out of respect for the dead Drusus, sitting with the other Senators on the ordinary benches, he upbraided them for lack of dignity.” “Did he appear sad?” asked Agrippina. “Nay,” answered the eldest son. “When some Senators shed tears, he censured them. Without a sigh and with his usual hesitation he made an address.--Oh for thy memory, brother Drusus!--His speech was apologetic and yet imperious. I forget the words.” “My sons,” warned the mother, “be not embittered when ye see the splendid funeral of Drusus. Mark ye, the emperor will make of that a grand display. Silently regard the pageant. Let not thy words reflect thy thoughts during the ceremony.” “Sejanus angered me this morning,” exclaimed Nero. “What said he?” asked Agrippina, anxiously. “He compared the virtues of my father with the vices of Drusus,” explained Nero. “He said that the emperor would try to show that the commonwealth had suffered a greater blow than when my father died. So did he stir me that I cursed--” “Nay, nay, my son!” cried Agrippina. “Curse no one before that man!” “I cursed the fates who so wrongfully treat us,” replied Nero. “Ah, my son,” exclaimed Agrippina, reproachfully, “have a care! Never let thy feelings overcome thy judgment. I warned Drusus but a moment ago to guard his words. Guard thine also. O my son, enemies lurk on every side. But this morning, while talking with Drusus, we found a servant transcribing on a tablet our conversation. Even in our home we must be guarded in our speech.” “Thy favorite charioteer has run away, my brother,” said Nero, looking at Drusus. “Who? Gyges?” quickly asked his brother. “Ay, Gyges,” replied Nero. “What has he done?” inquired Drusus. “I know not. He has been tracked to Albanum,” answered Nero. “But why should he run away?” asked Drusus. “He was the most honest charioteer in the Circus.” “Ay. I know not,” said Nero. “He loved the dancing-girl, Psyche.” “The pretty little Greek?” asked Agrippina. “Ay; she was to have danced at Pompey’s Theatre,” explained Nero. “Did he run away with her?” asked Drusus. “Nay; she is in prison,” said Nero. “What has she done?” inquired Agrippina. “No one can say. Where is Caligula?” asked Nero. “He is at his studies,” replied the mother. “He asked for a copy of Cicero’s orations,” said Nero. “I have brought him this. What ho! Caligula!” he shouted, as he went to the stairs. “But stay! I am coming up,” he added, when he heard the light patter of Caligula’s sandals on the stairs. As he met Caligula, Agrippina and Drusus heard him say, “Master the language of that great man, my brother, and thou wilt become the best orator in Rome.”